FAVERSHAM CREEK TRUST

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FAVERSHAM CREEK Faversham owes everything to its creek. This modest, muddy waterway has been the town s heart and soul since the arrival of the first prehistoric settlers.

But down the ages it was a vital connection to the sea and a source of great prosperity, prestige and political power.

Thousands of vessels were launched here and the town s economic fortunes depended upon creek-based industries. The creek and its history are Faversham s family silver.

1 FAVERSHAM CREEK Faversham owes everything to its creek. This modest, muddy waterway has been the town s heart and soul since the arrival of the first prehistoric settlers. It is the reason Faversham exists: the key to its identity. Today this meandering tidal channel makes Faversham a special place to live, work and visit. But down the ages it was a vital connection to the sea and a source of great prosperity, prestige and political power. For centuries, Faversham Creek was a major trading hub and ship building centre. Thousands of vessels were launched here and the town s economic fortunes depended upon creek-based industries. The creek and its history are Faversham s family silver. Just a mile or so of creekside runs through the town. It is a finite resource. Yet much of it is crowded with new housing. And as planners continue to sacrifice the remaining waterfront to developers, property speculators profit from the community s loss. Crowded out by houses, restaurants and shops, the creek will die. If we let that happen, Faversham s centuries-old maritime identity will be gone. For ever. FAVERSHAM CREEK TRUST

A WORKING CREEK The creek carried the Romans here and brought French stone to build Faversham Abbey in 7.

return for ships and men in times of war.

Cargoes of wool, wheat, gunpowder and the bricks and cement from which swathes of London were built were

CAMBRIA AND DRY DOCKS The Thames sailing barge Swale being completed at Standard Quay shipyard in 89.

GOLDFINCH S YARD OYSTER BAY HOUSE IRON WHARF HARTY FERRY EAST SWALE Bob Sea Nagden Bump Topsail Brickbat OARE

Leeboard STANDARD QUAY Swing Bridge Creek Basin Standard Quay FAVERSHAM THAMES SAILING BARGE BARGE TURNING

sail, Cambria was restored at Standard Quay with.

Faversham Creek leads directly into the heart of Faversham: it is tidal along its length.

2 A WORKING CREEK The creek carried the Romans here and brought French stone to build Faversham Abbey in 7. By the 5th century Faversham was a Cinque Port, one of the few towns granted privileges by Royal Charter in return for ships and men in times of war. Faversham became a nationally important trading and ship building port. Cargoes of wool, wheat, gunpowder and the bricks and cement from which swathes of London were built were shipped from its quays. This created wealth still reflected in the town s rich architecture. Standard Quay in the 890s. Very little has changed visually from this view; barges no longer carry cargoes, but they do attract many visitors. Oyster Bay House seen from Iron Wharf. S.B. CAMBRIA AND DRY DOCKS The Thames sailing barge Swale being completed at Standard Quay shipyard in 89. Shipbuilding is recorded from the 6 th century. GOLDFINCH S YARD OYSTER BAY HOUSE IRON WHARF HARTY FERRY EAST SWALE Bob Sea Nagden Bump Topsail Brickbat OARE CREEK HOLLOW SHORE Skiff Blueman s Nagden Mizzensail Sprit Mainsail Foresail Jib FAVERSHAM CREEK Iron Wharf Leeboard STANDARD QUAY Swing Bridge Creek Basin Standard Quay FAVERSHAM THAMES SAILING BARGE BARGE TURNING POINT SWING BRIDGE ABBEY GRANARIES THAMES BARGE BERTHS NEW CREEKSIDE HOUSES The last barge to carry cargo under sail, Cambria was restored at Standard Quay with. million of lottery funds by Faversham s highly-skilled shipwrights. Faversham Creek leads directly into the heart of Faversham: it is tidal along its length. The basin is controlled by sluice gates under the swing bridge. Maintained correctly, the entire length of the creek is navigable for Thames sailing barges. PURIFIER BUILDING FROM SEA TO TOWN ORDNANCE WHARF CREEK BASIN BRENTS JETTY The latest threat is to Standard Quay the most historically significant of Faversham s quays, and the best preserved. Still in use by traditional shipwrights, its centuries-old wharf and Grade II listed weatherboarded warehouses are precious physical links to a great maritime past. It is a rare example of living, working heritage. Yet these skilled craftsmen will be forced out in a few months time as part of a developer s plan to open restaurants and shops on the site. T.S. HAZARD TOWN QUAY

Faversham Creek is the heart of Faversham: a living link between town and sea. The creek is home to successful maritime businesses with immense potential for future expansion.

Vessels on the National Historic Ships register are moored and maintained here. Thousands of visitors come every year.

Given the space and security it needs, it could flourish and grow as a unique, profitable resource: a living, working attraction Kent can be proud of.

But tragically, the relentless development of creekside land threatens the very skills at the heart of this potential regeneration.

Yet the town s greatest treasure, its priceless maritime legacy, is in imminent danger of slipping away.

At its heart is Standard Quay, a co-ordinated one-stop shop offering full facilities for the mooring and repair of traditional craft.

Fewer than 0 of these historic vessels are still seaworthy, and they rely on Standard Quay for maintenance from overhauls to complete restoration.

And the apprentice scheme pioneered here, which trains local young people without charging fees, remains the only one of its kind in the UK.

million project with the restoration of another sailing barge, Westmoreland.

3 Faversham Creek is the heart of Faversham: a living link between town and sea. The creek is home to successful maritime businesses with immense potential for future expansion. Standard Quay s historic wharves and workshops are more than just a tourist attraction. Faversham s past wealth was built here, on skills still practised and passed on to apprentices today. Vessels on the National Historic Ships register are moored and maintained here. Thousands of visitors come every year. Artists and photographers set up their easels and cameras; schoolchildren see local history still in action. Given the space and security it needs, it could flourish and grow as a unique, profitable resource: a living, working attraction Kent can be proud of. Already a national centre for the restoration and repair of traditional vessels, a revitalised Faversham Creek should be an internationally-recognised European maritime heritage site. But tragically, the relentless development of creekside land threatens the very skills at the heart of this potential regeneration. Faversham has built a reputation as a centre for traditional beer, good local food and successful events such as the Hop Festival. Yet the town s greatest treasure, its priceless maritime legacy, is in imminent danger of slipping away. It could soon be gone for ever, tidied up and squeezed out of existence by housing, restaurants and shops. Faversham Creek stretches from the basin at its head to Iron Wharf boatyard and the sea. At its heart is Standard Quay, a co-ordinated one-stop shop offering full facilities for the mooring and repair of traditional craft. It is one of the last strongholds for that British icon, the Thames sailing barge. Fewer than 0 of these historic vessels are still seaworthy, and they rely on Standard Quay for maintenance from overhauls to complete restoration. The quay s buildings are home to nationally-renowned maritime craftsmen with increasingly rare skills: an unparalleled pool of expertise. And the apprentice scheme pioneered here, which trains local young people without charging fees, remains the only one of its kind in the UK. Standard Quay s shipwrights rebuilt the soon-to-be-relaunched Thames sailing barge Cambria, England s last seagoing vessel to trade under sail alone. They hope to follow that ambitious. million project with the restoration of another sailing barge, Westmoreland. The quay s ongoing success depends on space: space on the wharf, space for the versatile floating dry docks and space in the workshop buildings. The sail loft, for example, is needed for winter sail storage, indoor spar and rigging maintenance and lofting, where boat plans are laid out on the floor to guarantee accuracy. The quayside is used for heavy crane work, preparing timber and, for centuries, has been used for sail dressing. This is the practice of waterproofing with a mix of oil and ochre that gives Thames sailing barges their famous brick-red sails. SHIPWRIGHTS AND A WORKING QUAY Standard Quay is perfect for ship building and repair because it was built for them. But Standard Quay s enormous potential for expansion is already constrained by a lack of space. The lease expires in June 0, the shipwrights have been given notice to quit by the site s property developer landlord, and the future looks uncertain for Faversham s working traditional boatyard. Big flat-bottomed vessels, such as Thames sailing barges and the floating dry docks, shift mud just by sitting in the active waterway. This is what keeps the moorings at Standard Quay clear. Without them the creek will rapidly silt up. After decades of mismanagement and neglect by the responsible authorities, the creek now risks becoming less navigable. We say enough is enough. It is time to fight for Faversham Creek.

A VISION FOR AN EXCITING FUTURE Our vision for the future: a regenerated maritime industry in Faversham and a vibrant, revitalised waterway to include slipways, dry docks, a dinghy building school,

Initiatives would include creek festivals, sailing events, educational facilities, training and extensive job creation. Much of this is already here on the creek, right now.

our local authorities. The possibilities are endless. True regeneration does not mean allowing property speculators free rein.

Living history belongs to the community and to future generations. It must be safeguarded, supported and celebrated, not swept away in the name of private profit.

Put into action, they could easily provide 50 skilled local jobs, making it once again a major local employer and a stable environment for a substantial apprenticeship programme.

Looked after properly, with imagination and committed effort, it will help shape a culturally rich and prosperous future.

STANDARD QUAY AND YARD Standard House Shipyard National footpath route to Coastal Path Goldfinch barge yard Standard House Commercial buildings with pedestrian access to Standard Quay Commercial

buildings to link with Town Quay along entire Creek frontage Commercial or housing on SECOS and Kingsman Buses Dry docks for ship repair ORDNANCE WHARF STANDARD QUAY VISION This is an over-view of

ORDNANCE WHARF AND THE BASIN Ordnance Wharf, at the head of Faversham Creek Basin could become the centre for the revival of this area of wharves and quays.

These buildings could be used as a new home for a Sailing Barge Museum.

PLAN Sailing barges unloading their cargoes in the basin in the 90 s. The present site of the supermarket is on the right.

Yard Shepherd Neame bottle store Purifier Building The Purifier Building could be restored. The famous Graveney Boat could be housed on the ground floor.

4 A VISION FOR AN EXCITING FUTURE Our vision for the future: a regenerated maritime industry in Faversham and a vibrant, revitalised waterway to include slipways, dry docks, a dinghy building school, museum, apprentice shipwrights, sail loft, blacksmith s forge and an engineering workshop. Initiatives would include creek festivals, sailing events, educational facilities, training and extensive job creation. Much of this is already here on the creek, right now. But imagine what could be achieved with our disappearing creekside protected from irresponsible development, a committed, coordinated body to speak out in the creek s interest and the co-operation of our local authorities. The possibilities are endless. True regeneration does not mean allowing property speculators free rein. It means creating an intelligent, sustainable vision that keeps the creek alive and working, creates secure employment, and continues to attract visitors. Living history belongs to the community and to future generations. It must be safeguarded, supported and celebrated, not swept away in the name of private profit. The drawings below illustrate the potential for Faversham Creek. Put into action, they could easily provide 50 skilled local jobs, making it once again a major local employer and a stable environment for a substantial apprenticeship programme. The creek is our greatest natural asset. It gave Faversham a great maritime past. Looked after properly, with imagination and committed effort, it will help shape a culturally rich and prosperous future. Vessels come from London, South East England, France and the Netherlands to use Standard Quay s facilities every year, making Faversham a major centre for repairs and restoration. STANDARD QUAY AND YARD Standard House Shipyard National footpath route to Coastal Path Goldfinch barge yard Standard House Commercial buildings with pedestrian access to Standard Quay Commercial buildings Workshops and Barge repairs 5 Museum in Abbey Granaries Standard Quay and 9th century timber buildings Abbey Granaries - a potential site for a Museum 5 Pedestrian route in front of all new buildings to link with Town Quay along entire Creek frontage Commercial or housing on SECOS and Kingsman Buses Dry docks for ship repair ORDNANCE WHARF STANDARD QUAY VISION This is an over-view of the new vision for Standard Quay from the Oyster Bay House to the SECOS oil depot. ORDNANCE WHARF AND THE BASIN Ordnance Wharf, at the head of Faversham Creek Basin could become the centre for the revival of this area of wharves and quays. The proposal centres on the Purifier building in the car park and a new two-storey traditional timber framed building on Ordnance Wharf. These buildings could be used as a new home for a Sailing Barge Museum. The Graveney Boat which is an internationally important ancient boat found on the Graveney marshes could be displayed in the new museum buildings. PLAN Sailing barges unloading their cargoes in the basin in the 90 s. The present site of the supermarket is on the right. Shipyard in Standard House Yard eek m Cr rsha n Fave Basi Swing bridge BMM Weston Stonebridge Pond Purifier building Ordnance Wharf BMM Weston car park Circular footpath around the basin Goldfinch s Yard Shepherd Neame bottle store Purifier Building The Purifier Building could be restored. The famous Graveney Boat could be housed on the ground floor. The upper floor could become a restaurant, office or workshop. The immediate area in front set to grass, with car parking beyond this. The basin could become the site for a collection of well maintained historic traditional vessels, with public access. Purifier Building Ordnance Wharf Traditional vessels with public access Coastal Path on this side of Faversham Creek. Running from Front Brents to the Shipwrights Arms pub. Supermarket The stretch of Faversham Creek, up-stream of the swing bridge, could become a centre for maritime history and provide berths for historic and classsic boats. Swing bridge and lock The swing bridge and sluice gates could be returned to full function. By using the sluicing effect of the water the creek would as in the past be flushed at low tide. The basin could be dredged and restored. The basin could become the possible location for an annual maritime festival. Recreational and educational boating facilities could also use the restored waterway. Circular walk and car parking Museum Ordnance Wharf could have a two-storey, traditional timber framed building. This could become the new home for a relocated Dolphin Barge Museum. The BMM Weston car park covers this area. This could be landscaped and improved with tree planting. A circular footpath around the basin could be extended to link several existing segments. Classic ship berths and loading for charter vessels

FAVERSHAM CREEK TRUST The Faversham Creek Trust is a completely new, independent, non-political, non-profit organisation

The creek has been a living, working waterway for thousands of years but is under threat today as never before.

maritime industry. The creek needs safeguarding NOW. Positive and sensitive regeneration are desperately needed.

hotels: Writing to Councillor Gerry Lewin, Chairman of Swale Borough Council Local Development Framework Panel at Swale House,

uk Making your views known to: Pete Raine, Swale s Officer in Charge of Regeneration PeteRaine@swale.gov.

5 FAVERSHAM CREEK TRUST The Faversham Creek Trust is a completely new, independent, non-political, non-profit organisation dedicated to building an exciting, sustainable future for Faversham Creek, its environment, jobs and heritage. The creek has been a living, working waterway for thousands of years but is under threat today as never before. This is a critical moment in Faversham s history as runaway development threatens to destroy the last pockets of traditional maritime industry. The creek needs safeguarding NOW. Positive and sensitive regeneration are desperately needed. If you share our vision and want to stop Faversham s waterfront being destroyed to make way for shops, restaurants, housing and hotels: Writing to Councillor Gerry Lewin, Chairman of Swale Borough Council Local Development Framework Panel at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, ME0 HT or his assistant: JanetDart@swale.gov.uk Making your views known to: Pete Raine, Swale s Officer in Charge of Regeneration PeteRaine@swale.gov.uk Faversham s MP, Hugh Robertson staintonjamesa@parliament.uk Please visit our website: for information about joining the campaign and follow the links to the epetition and newsletter. Visit also to find out about a documentary being made about Standard Quay. The film shows what Faversham could lose if local authorities give in to ill-considered development. Contact : info@favershamcreek.com Faversham Creek Trust. Baltic House. Standard Quay Faversham. Kent. ME 7BS

Proposals for the regeneration of Standard Quay, Faversham, Kent

Proposals for the regeneration of Standard Quay, Faversham, Kent The purpose of this information is to explain the progress in regenerating Standard Quay and to outline proposals with indicative timescales